It is with immense gratitude that I thank you for the privilege of serving as your president in 2024. This has been a year of both highs and lows, but through our resilience and adaptability, we have powered through. While challenges remain, our leadership on the local, state,andnationallevelsremainsstrong.
Ihavealwaysbelievedthatknowledgeandeducationare the pathways to success, and that belief has been at the core of my leadership this year. We expanded our designationsandcertifications,bringingintop-tiertalent from across the United States. One achievement I am particularly proud of is the launch of the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) program at HRRA, in collaborationwiththeVirginiaAssociationofREALTORS®. Thisprogramisamilestoneforourassociation.
We also introduced the Summer Success Series, a new educational initiative tailored primarily for newer agents, though it was open to all. Due to its overwhelming success,itwillnowbeapermanentpartofoureducation program. Special thanks go to our instructor extraordinaire, former HRRA President and WCR President-Elect,BeckyClaggett,forvolunteeringhertime tobothcreateanddeliverthisimpactfulseries.
Recognizing that knowledge is power, we focused on HRRA being a true business partner in your success. We brought in a specialty speaker to guide members on how to start investing in their own real estate portfolios. Our broker committee hosted a well-received town hall to discuss the intricacies of the settlement, and we reintroducedtheAccreditedBuyer'sRepresentative(ABR) designation, updated in light of recent developments. In responsetothesettlement'schanges,wealsolauncheda brokers’ video update and actively promoted facts.realtor tohelpourmembersnavigatetheseevolvinglandscapes.
Our Government Affairs Committee had an exceptionally active year. We hosted a record-breaking Day on the Hill, with such a large turnout that we had to split into two groups. We also achieved new levels of engagement at our Legislative Reception, with a remarkable turnout of legislators. Federal Congresswoman Jen Kiggans made an in-person appearance, and we were honored to have State Senator and REALTOR® Angelia Williams Graves as our keynote speaker. Our advocacy efforts yielded several key wins, and we received significant support from our HamptonRoadslegislators.Earlyintheyear,wetookpart in a Portsmouth tour, supported by an NAR Ignite Grant, followedbynumerousoutreacheventsacrosstheregion.
While the year brought its share of challenges, we also achieved meaningful successes. One priority for me was to reinforce professional standards. I extend special thanks to Frank Filippone and Elaine Griffin, long-term member volunteers, who served as Chair of the Professional Standards and Grievance Committees, respectively.
Lastly, I want to express my appreciation for our HRRA staff,whosededicationtrulyshines.
Thank you to Marah Chiara, Leadership Coordinator, for her tireless work in supporting the board, and to Dr. Dawn Kennedy for her invaluable guidance. I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to my entire board team, with special recognition for the two leaders who inspired me to serve at the officer level—2024 Immediate Past Chairman Jeremy Caleb Johnson and 2025 President Jay Mitchell. Their wisecounselwasinstrumentalinmyjourneyasPresident.
Again,ithasbeenanhonortoserveyou.
Warmregards,
DearHRRAMembers,
Dr. Dawn Kennedy Chief Executive Officer
As we reflect on the past year, I am proud to share the progresswehavemadeasanassociationandoutlineour vision for the future. This annual report highlights our journey—one of resilience, challenges, obstacles, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our mission ofhomeownershipwiththewidestdistributionoflandto thewidestpopulation.
Strategic Direction
From the outset, HRRA leadership’s focus has been clear. We strive to be an essential business partner with our brokers and agents, promote the value of using a REALTOR® to the public and the value of being a REALTOR®toourmembers.Theseprioritieshaveguided everydecisionwemadeandeveryinitiativeweundertook thisyear.
Major Accomplishments
Thisyearhasbeenoneofsignificantchallenges;however, we have had achievements of merit. Among our key achievements:
Increased inventory through advocacy: One of our challengespriortotheNARupheavalsandsettlement was the lack of housing inventory. This is an area where advocacy wins are local and have a direct impact on our members. We worked with Hampton Roads Homebuilders to prevent restrictive zoning in the Dominion Corridor, adding substantially more inventorytoourareaoverthenextfewyears.Lastyear we accomplished the same in Suffolk, by defeating a restrictive zoning requirement which should result in over 240 new rooftops. In the last quarter of the year, our Government Affairs Committee members have been working specifically with area economic development councils and departments to prevent restrictive zoning which would limit inventory. This summer, we brought in NAR’s VP of Advocacy, Nate Johnson, for specialized member training in zoning andlanduse.
Introduction of a local Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) program & expanded NAR Designations & Certifications: By bringing specialized education not available to individual brokerages, we meet our promise to be partners with our brokers, assisting them in risk reduction (through education) and increasedagentproductivity.Agentsalsobenefitfrom this programming. NAR data collected since 2013 indicatestheaveragememberrealizesa53-62%jump ingrosscommissionincomewiththefirstdesignation.
Reclamation of Professional Standards Enforcement:
This July, we discontinued outsourcing our Professional Standards (ethics and arbitration) enforcement. Many found the outsourced program cumbersome and lengthy. Bringing in the program hasresultedinaconsiderableuptakeinrequestsfor
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grievance review and hearings. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics has long been a gift to our membership, keeping us out of courts for over a century. We are unlike other industries in that we have the power, throughourcode,toself-regulateandtoarbitrateand mediate without exorbitant attorney and court fees. This service now being in-house has allowed for members participating in the process to gain insight and education into our practices on a much deeper level.
These accomplishments are just three of many but are significant to our promise of business support. These achievements also reflect the extraordinary dedication of ourboardofdirectors,committeemembers,andstaff.
There were considerable wins for our members on the state and local level as well, and although this report is about HRRA, it will include highlights on the major wins forourmembersatthestateandnationallevel.
Challenges Faced
No meaningful progress comes without challenges. This year, we navigated low inventory, rising mortgage rates, and at a national level, disruption and lawsuits. These hurdles tested and continue to test our resilience and adaptability, but they also underscored the strength of our industry and our values. We still will always act in the best interests of our clients and fight to protect access to homeownership and private property rights. Those who continue to stand up to and against pressure from outside forces to dismantle our great collective of local, state and national membership are heroes. It is very easy tojumpshipduringadversity,butquittingneverresultsin awin.Wehavegreatprideinourmemberswho
continue to fight for access to the American Dream with theirtime,theirtalent,andtheirmembershipdollars.
FutureOutlook
As we look ahead, I am filled with optimism about what lies before HRRA. Our priorities for the upcoming year include:
Redefining and effectively communicating our value propositiontoretainbrokeragesandattractlicensees: key areas of focus include leadership visits to brokerages, creating new ways to communicate with the member, leveraging resources to broaden and expandmarketingthevalueofbeingaREALTOR®to ourmembersandusingaREALTOR®tothepublic.
Significantly improving understanding, appreciation, engagement, and support of advocacy successes: utilize new social media and video tools to communicate local wins, promote local advocacy as strongly as state and national advocacy, equate advocacywinstoREALTOR®dollars.
Increasing new agent and new brokerage longevity and success by creating a long-term onboarding process for these member segments: Create an orientation program that fosters engagement and rewards; expand & modify the orientation program elements to meet existing members where they are, creating a personalized experience; equate board engagementwithmembersuccess.
Wearecommittedtobuildingonoursuccesses,learning from our challenges, and striving toward a brighter, sustainable,andinclusivefuture.
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Closing Gratitude
None of this would be possible without the collective effortsofourtalentedvolunteers,thecareandconcernof our HRRA staff, the loyalty of our members to the organization and its mission, and the confidence and foresight of our HRRA Board of Directors. Together, we have laid the groundwork for continued growth and impact.Thankyouforyourtrustandpartnershiponthis journey.
Withgratitudeanddetermination,
Dr.DawnKennedy
FINANCIAL REPORT
2024 has indeed been a challenging year for many associations, primarily due to the significant impact of the NAR settlement. Despite this challenge, I am pleased to report that we have successfully navigated this period with the unwavering support of the Budget & Finance Committee and our exceptional HRRA staff.
In response to these difficulties, our team made several strategic decisions to protect our Association’s financial health without sacrificing member services:
1.
Staff Reduction and Reallocation of Funds: We undertook a careful review of our staffing needs and implemented a reduction, enabling us to reallocate funds to preserve essential services. This process was conducted thoughtfully to minimize disruption and ensure that our members continued to receive the level of service they expect and deserve.
3.
2. Investment Strategy and Financial Planning: Our proactive approach to financial planning has been a key factor in our stability this year. By making strategic investments in 2023, we created a financial safety net that has allowed us to weather this difficult period. These investments continue to generate income, which has played a vital role in sustaining our budget and maintaining member services.
Mitigating Membership Loss: To address the drop in membership, we relied on the comprehensive financial plan we established in 2023. This plan included an investment strategy designed to buffer against fluctuations in revenue. As a result, we were able to reduce the financial impact of membership losses significantly.
I extend my sincere thanks to the Budget & Finance Committee and our HRRA support staff for their diligence and commitment during these trying times. Their hard work has been instrumental
in ensuring our Association’s financial health, and I am confident that we are on solid ground as we look to the future.
While 2024 has posed considerable challenges, I am proud of our Association's resilience and adaptability. We remain committed to supporting our members and providing the services they need, no matter the obstacles we face. Because That's Who We R.
-Respectfully submitted by 2024 Treasurer, Phil Kazmierczak
2024 FINANCIALS Q1–Q3
4,497
MEMBERSHIP (AS OF NOVEMBER 15, 2024)
Active REALTORS®: 3,935
REALTOR® Offices: 253
Affiliate Members: 562
Affiliate Offices: 151
ANNUAL PARTNERSHIPS
32
Partnerships sold in dollars: $99,245.00.
Total partnerships, sponsorships and advertising for 2024: $180,279.00
HRRA BY THE NUMBERS
COMMITTEES, PROGRAMS, & NETWORKS
Affiliate Committee
Broker Committee
Budget & Finance Committee
Candidate Institute Task Force
Commercial Committee
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee
Executive Committee
Government Affairs Committee
Grievance Committee
HRRA Ambassadors
22
138th Homecoming
Baseball Game
Affiliate Speed Networking
Ambassadors Recruitment
Social
Broker Town Hall
Circle of Excellence℠
Awards Gala
Chili Cook -Off & Tailgate
Party
Day on the Hill
Fair Housing Forum
Hermit Crab Derby
HRRA Expo & Conference
Installation & Service
Awards Luncheon
Legislative Reception
16
New Homes Committee Professional Standards Committee
Property Management & Leasing Committee (PMLC)
REALTOR®/Lawyer Committee
REALTORS® Political Action Fundraising Committee (RPAC)
Young Professionals
Network (YPN)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Major Investors Reception
– Harbor Club
Major Investors Reception
– Chrysler Museum of Art
Mini Golf Tournament
DEI Specialty Events
REALTORS® vs. Affiliates
Kickball Tournament &
YPN After Party
REALTORS® Have a Heart
Blood Drive
State of Minority Housing
Summit
VRLTA Seminar
Veteran’s Brunch
YPN Speed Networking
HRRA BY THE NUMBERS
SOCIAL MEDIA (AS OF NOV. 25, 2024)
FACEBOOK
HRRA: 8159 Public Page Followers +141 from 2023
Groups: 6
HRRA (Members Only)
2040 members
YPN 921 members
HRRA Brokers
137 members
Affiliates
39 members
HRRA Ambassadors
32 members
Commercial REALTORS®
19 members
TOTAL GROUP MEMBERS: 3188 +27 from 2023
Alpha College: 1690 Public Page Followers 2 6
INSTAGRAM
HRRA (@hrrarealtors): 2015 Followers +172 from 2023
REALTORS® Have a Heart (@realtorshaveaheart): 461 Followers
X (FORMERLY KNOWN AS TWITTER)
1406 Followers
Please visit hrra.com/press-releases for this year’s news.
In 2024, Alpha College of Real Estate made substantial strides in education, professional development, and outreach for aspiring and established real estate professionals.Noteworthyachievementsof2024include:
428 Principles of Real Estate registrations exceeding $94,000.00grossfeescollected 1557 Continuing Education registrations exceeding $115,000.00grossfeecollected
Hosted the following Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) courses: 501 Agency in Virginia, 502 Sale Contracts, 503 Business Planning, 504 Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), 506 Risk Management, 509 At Home with Diversity (AHWD), and 510 Military RelocationProfessional(MRP)
National Speakers/Educators brought to HRRA membership: Adorna Carroll, John LeTourneau, Heather Placer Mull, Jamie Bowman, Monica Neubauer, Tamara Suminski, Reggie Copeland, and NateJohnson
Onboarded ALPHA course instructors actively teachingin2024—RhondaVaughn,NatalieDonovan, Tony Fitzgerald, John McInnis, Amanda Sams, Dr. MaryKraft
Each Principles class was introduced to HRRA REALTORS® via "Proud to be a REALTOR®" video on thefirstdayoftheircourse
Streamlined the make-up time process for our PrinciplesofRealEstateclasses,whichhaseffectively decreasedthenumberofstudentswhodonotfinish thecourse
Created study guides for both national and state portionsofthePrinciplesofRealEstatecourseexam, decreasingtheamountofstudentre-takesneededto earnacertificate
Promoting HRRA and ALPHA consistently through Facebook posts, maintaining connections with students and seeing increased inquiries about our programs
NARDesignations&CertificationsofferedatHRRAin2024
Store Revamp:
The HRRA Store has been revitalized with an expanded selection of REALTOR®-branded merchandise and signage. This includes two new Spanish-language signs, enhancing our commitment to inclusivity and better serving our diverse membershipandnonmembers.
The Affiliate Committee hosted and defeated the REALTORS®intheirannualKickballTournament.
The Affiliate Committee held one speed networking eventinMarch.
The Affiliate Committee hosted their annual Chili Cook-off with 28 contestant booths and 350+ attendees.
The Affiliate Committee hosted a Half-off Headshots and Mimosas event following their September meeting.
HRRA’s affiliate members sponsored a variety of HRRA'snetworkingopportunities,educationsessions, andcelebratoryevents.
HRRA’s affiliate members contributed articles for HRRA's monthly digital magazine, The Hampton RoadsREALTOR®.
Several affiliate companies were featured in the "AffiliateSpotlight"sectionofeachmonthlymagazine.
The Affiliate Committee continued receiving a monthlyaffiliates-onlynewsletter.
HRRA AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
HRRA now has 70 Ambassadors who help spread the word in their offices about all things HRRA, VAR, and NAR.
HRRA held an Ambassadors recruitment social, where members received their HRRA Ambassadors branded lapelpinsandnetworkedwithHRRA’sleadership. Ambassadors attended four quarterly Zoom meetings where they received important updates from the association and had the opportunity to win giveaways fromHRRAaffiliates.
Each ambassador received monthly toolkits in the form of PowerPoint presentations to present at their offices’monthlysalesmeetings.
BROKER COMMITTEE
TheBrokerCommitteeheldquarterlyBrokerBreakfast events, including two continental and two hot breakfastofferings.
HRRA secured NAR's Broker Engagement Grant, which supported bringing in national speaker Adorna Carroll.
Housing Highlights with the VAR Research & StatisticsTeam
Team Cohesion & Retention Strategies with Jamie Bowman (Continuedonnextpage)
Unlock the Power of Your Membership with Jay Mitchell,SherryMaser,andDr.DawnKennedy
The Broker Committee conducted a Broker Survey to gauge member satisfaction and regularly offered feedback to help HRRA staff better serve its broker members.
CANDIDATE INSTITUTE
HRRA successfully launched the third year of the CandidateInstitute,whichtrainsREALTOR®leadersto get involved in the civic process at all levels of government.
The Class of 2024 consisted of 11 participants who are activelyengagedinHRRAandexcitedabouthowthey canbeapositiveinfluenceintheircommunity.
Candidate Institute participants met every fourth Tuesday of the month for 8 months to learn the process of building a campaign, campaign finance, laws, ethics, how to pursue a political appointment, how to vet and support REALTOR® Champion candidates, and how to pursue leadership opportunitiesinHRRA.
Candidate Institute participants met with more than 30 elected officials from all levels of government— federal,state,andlocal—tounderstandthelegislative processandhowtoeffectivelyadvocateforREALTOR® issues.
Candidate Institute participants were introduced to the legislative process and heard reports from Nate Johnson,VicePresidentofAdvocacyforNAR;the
Virginia REALTORS® lobbying team; and local Government Affairs Committee Chair and Candidate InstituteAlumnus,JenniferDawn.
Candidate Institute participants engaged in the vetting and interviewing of candidates running for MayorandCityCouncilin6Southsidecities.
Candidate Institute participants received media training in addition to training that will allow them to beasignificantforceincampaignsgoingforward.
The Class of 2024 elected two members to represent them on the Candidate Institute Alumni Council: CongratulationstoJulianRiveraandLexiChurch. The Candidate Institute has gained national attention forHRRA.
CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE℠
The Kentucky Derby themed 2023 Circle of Excellence℠ Awards Reception was held at the Virginia Beach ConventionCenteronSaturday,April27,2024,celebrating 786recipients,includingthefollowing: Recognized4OutstandingRookies. Honored26REALTOR®LongevityRecipients. Honored 1 Distinguished Property Manager Longevity Recipient.
In2024,theHRRACommercialCommitteepartnered with influential organizations to enhance commercial realestateeducationintheHamptonRoadsregion. ThecommitteecollaboratedwithCCIMtohoston-site commercialrealestateclassesforthefirsttime.
HRRA was awarded an NAR Commercial Grant, funding a Commercial Education Day featuring industryexpertsJohnLeTourneauandHeatherPlacer Mull,CCIM,whosharedinsightsonkeymarkettrends.
In September, the committee hosted two workshops by the Lipsey Company, "Selling by Phone" and "Presentations that Win," providing practical techniquesforsuccessincommercialrealestate.
Events focused on enhancing the skills of local commercial real estate professionals, with an emphasis on client engagement and market growth strategies.
Thecommitteeconcludedtheyearwithaneconomic planning roundtable, co-hosted with Government Affairs, to discuss Hampton Roads’ development outlookwithlocalstakeholders.
The committee’s 2024 initiatives supported member expertise and strengthened the commercial real estate community’s adaptability in a changing market.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION COMMITTEE
Each of the DEI Committee’s members represent a differentculturalgroupandethnicity.
The DEI Committee hosted a Black History Month receptionatBlueMoonTapHouse.
The DEI Committee held a Women in the Workplace event where attendees learned from successful women in the industry how to leverage their home ownershipasabusinesstool.
The DEI Committee, in partnership with the GovernmentAffairsCommittee,hostedaLeading
with Diversity forum where speaker Dr. Johnny Finn (ChristopherNewportUniversity)spokeonthetopicof redlining.
TheDEICommitteehostedaHispanicHeritageMonth event at HRRA with Hispanic food, snacks, and beverages. Speakers Meagan Starks (VCIC) and Jacqueline Johnson (VCIC) spoke on increasing awareness of how attitudes, beliefs, behavior, and language can impact relationships between diverse groups.
The DEI Committee hosted a State of Minority Housing report forum with keynote speaker Adrienne Whitaker (Virginia Housing) and panelists Leslie Frazier (Virginia REALTORS®), John Hopkins (LGBTQ+ RealEstateAlliance),TeeWilliams(HRAREB),andAlba Martinez(NAHREP).
TheDEICommitteeheldaPrideMonthBazaarwitha networking session followed by an education session hosted by the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance Virginia Chapter.Duringthepresentation,JohnHopkins,Jacki Paolella, Russell Bryant, and Hunter Nowell also touched on correct pronoun usage during transactions, attainable housing for the LGBTQ+ community, and the correct practices to use when workingwiththeLGBTQ+community.
The Government Affairs Committee focused on community outreach and member engagement in the support of housing issues in South Hampton Roads.
The committee, led by Chair Jennifer Dawn, once again composed a comprehensive legislative agenda thatfocusedonlocallegislativeissues.Thecommittee emphasizedtheimportanceofattainablehousingand attainable living standards in South Hampton Roads thatgobeyondaffordabilitytofocusonqualityoflife. Legislativeprioritiesincludedeconomicdevelopment, zoning reform, stormwater and sewer initiatives, transportation initiatives, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU),andShort-TermRental(STR)issues.
The Government Affairs Committee worked with coalitionpartnerstosuccessfullypreventanoverreach in regulations for Stormwater and Sewer issues in Norfolk that would have caused a burden on homeownersforfloodmitigationinNorfolk.
Smart Growth and Land Use was the subject of a Government Affairs Committee event in Portsmouth where more than 35 local business leaders attended aneducationalforum,presentedbyNARManagerof
Smart Growth, Hugh Morris. Portsmouth City Mayor Shannon Glover and Economic Development Director Brian Donahue, along with city business leaders, have adopted the Smart Growth principles of HRRA and NAR as a model for moving their community into the future.
Members of the Government Affairs Committee are actively working in their respective cities on strategic planning, civic league engagement, and an STR task force. The Government Affairs Committee is making REALTOR® voices stronger throughout South HamptonRoads.
The Government Affairs Committee conducted educationalforumsforHRRAmembers:
The State of Housing in the Cities of South HamptonRoads
The Political Landscape in the Commonwealth — JointForumwiththeCandidateInstitute NAR Lawsuit Update — Joint Forum with the REALTOR®/LawyerCommittee.
Featured Economic Development officials from theSouthsideregionofHamptonRoads
The forum was enhanced by a research report providedbyVirginiaREALTORS®.
The discussion highlighted how REALTORS® can influence local commercial and residential development.
The Government Affairs Committee interviewed and vettedfifty-fivecandidatesrunningforMayorandCity Council in six Southside cities. Ultimately the committee endorsed sixteen candidates across the region. In addition, the committee opted to do an Independent Expenditure (IE) campaign for Virginia BeachMayoralcandidateBobbyDyerandPortsmouth Mayoral candidate Shannon Glover because of their track record and continued commitment to be REALTOR®Champions.
ElectionResults:
Thirteen HRRA-endorsed candidates won their races ShannonGlover–MayorofPortsmouthwonreelection
Bobby Dyer – Mayor of Virginia Beach won reelection
HRRA is committed to strengthening its political relationshipstoensureastrongerREALTOR®voice inSouthHamptonRoads.
HRRA published a monthly newsletter, The GADWire, whichkeepsmembersupdatedongovernmentaffairs issues, activities, and wins that magnify the value of REALTOR® membership, as well as magnifies the strength of our voice to legislative bodies across the Southside.
TheGovernmentAffairsCommitteeconductedregular monthly meetings to review legislative issues in each Southsidecity.
HRRA’sGADDepartmentprovidedmonthlyarticlesfor
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Events:
DayontheHill:37HRRAmembersmetwithSouthside Delegates and Senators in Richmond, including SpeakeroftheHouseofDelegatesDonScott,Delegate Bonita Anthony, Delegate Jackie Glass, Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata, Delegate Barry Knight, Delegate Alex Askew, Delegate Cliff Hayes, Delegate Baxter Ennis, Senator Angelia Williams Graves, Senator Christie New Craig,SenatorEmilyJordan,SenatorAaronRouse,and SenatorBillDeSteph.HRRAmemberswererecognized inbothchambersoftheGeneralAssembly,makingita highlightofthevisit.
Legislative Reception: More than 25 legislators from every level of government attended the annual Legislative Reception. The event promoted member engagementandnetworkingwithelectedofficialsfora nightoffun.
Among the elected officials were Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, Congressman Bobby Scott, Delegate Jackie Glass, Senator Aaron Rouse, Norfolk City Councilman JP Paige, Chesapeake City CouncilwomanAmandaNewins,PortsmouthMayor Shannon Glover, and Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer. Additionally, the participants gained valuable insightfromREALTOR®legislators,SenatorAngelia Williams Graves, Virginia Beach Vice Mayor RosemaryWilson,andSuffolkCityCouncilmanJohn Rector.
A YEAR IN PICTURES
A YEAR IN PICTURES
The Hampton Roads REALTORS® Foundation (HRRF) strivestoadheretothefollowingmission:
Advocate and advance safe, decent, and attainable housing.
Broaden and expand public knowledge of the importance and value of private property ownership withintheCommonwealthofVirginia.
Conduct or fund charitable activities on behalf of the real estate industry which would benefit the community.
Promotesuchotheractivitiesasaredesignedtofoster, encourage, and support the improvement of education,interest,andresearchintheprofessionand studyofrealestate.
In 2024, the Foundation heavily focused on providing funds to local deserving students and organizations. Alongwiththemanydonationswereceivedthroughdues billing,weraisedmoneyatHRRA’sAnnualMemberEXPO andtheChiliCook-off!
The Hampton Roads REALTORS® Foundation has partneredwithlocalcollegestoprovidescholarshipfunds for deserving students. “It’s our goal as a Foundation to support all property rights and all the benefits that go with property ownership. To help people learn about real estate allows them to embrace all that real estate involves.”-JayMitchell,2024ChairoftheHamptonRoads REALTORS®Foundation.
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ThesescholarshipscanbefoundatAlphaCollegeofReal Estate, Old Dominion University, and Tidewater CommunityCollegethroughtheirfinancialaidoffices.We areexcitedtosupporteducationandresearchwithinthe studyofrealestate.
3 new Alpha College of Real Estate students received $500 scholarships toward registration and required textbooksforthePrinciplesofRealEstateCourse.
The HRRF partnered with ODU to establish a total scholarship commitment of $15,000. This annual expenditure scholarship is $3,000 per year for five years.
The HRRF partnered with TCC to establish a total scholarship commitment of $12,500. This is an annual expenditurescholarshipof$2,500peryearfor5years.
The HRRF accepts grant requests throughout the year and decides carefully which deserving organizations receive funding. In 2024, HRRF donated to the following organizations:
The Coastal Virginia Conservancy — $10,000 toward conservation outreach & local park projects that provide recreation, well-being, improvements to air & waterquality,andmuchmore.
Habitat for Humanity — $5,000 toward a new constructioninSuffolk,Virginia. Formoreinformation,visithrrafoundation.com.
The REALTORS® Have a Heart Task Force (RHAH) is an essential division of the HRRF that assembles REALTORS® and affiliates multiple times a year to volunteer at various community organizations. They support hands-on advocacy; create stronger, more vibrant communities; and help to improve lives while creatinglastingmemorieswithprofessionalcounterparts andcommunitysupportservices.
In 2024, RHAH hosted donation drives, broadened our partnerships, and promoted external volunteer opportunitiesatthefollowing:
Edmarc Hospice for Children, sponsored by Off-LOAD Moving
The New Homes Committee hosted the Annual Expo & Conference on September 24, which featured 40 booths,3educationsessions,andhostedaVBCPSArt Show.
AnnualExpo&ConferenceEducationincluded:
From Phone to Phenomenal: Real Estate
PhotographyonaBudgetpresentedbyYPN NAR Settlement: What this means for your BusinessbytheGovernmentAffairsCommittee andREALTOR/LawyerCommittee
Builder’s Panel presented by the New Homes Committee.
ExpoWinners
Most Informational Booth – OVM with AnnieMacHomeMortgage
Most Engaging Booth – The Broker Mortgage Experts
Best Booth Decorations – Southern Trust Mortgage
PassportWinner–Kerry-AnnBrown
The New Homes Committee hosted Anatomy of a HomeandBlueprintReading.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & LEASING COMMITTEE
The Property Management and Leasing Committee (PMLC)atHRRAofferedarobustlineupofeventsin2024, focusing on vital skills and industry insights for property managers.
January: Gladys Fain presented fundamental property managementpracticestokickofftheyear.
February: An Oceana Naval Air Station representative discussedAICUZaircraftnoiseconsiderations.
September: NAR Lawsuit Update / Joint Forum withGovernmentAffairs
November:Probate,Wills&Estates–OhMy! Attorney John Faber conducted his “Legal Corner” during each forum, giving real-world insight and realworld case examples for legal issues facing the real estateindustry.
REALTORS® POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
HRRA’s RPAC Fundraising Committee had a stellar year in 2024, hosting two standout Major Investors Events. The most recent, held at the New Chrysler Glass Museum, featured Dennis Ramey, VAR’s ImmediatePastPresident,asthekeynotespeaker.The eventraisedanimpressive$38,000forRPAC,andPhil Kazmierczak took home a unique glass key sculpture asaspecialprize.
HRRA proudly surpassed its National Association of REALTORS® goal with 48 Major Investors, exceeding the target of 46. The committee is now setting its sights on achieving the Triple Crown award for the fourthconsecutiveyear.
Thanks to a combination of in-person events and email marketing campaigns, the RPAC Committee continued to energize members to invest. Supporters wererewardedwiththank-yougifts,recognizingtheir commitment to RPAC’s mission. Despite being a smaller group compared to previous years, the committee matched past successes, demonstrating thatpassionanddedicationoutweighnumbers.
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Committee members also made significant strides in educating and recruiting investors. They actively participatedinNewMemberOrientations,educational forums, and leadership meetings, ensuring RPAC’s messagereachedeverycornerofHRRA.
This year also marked a new chapter for the RPAC Committee with Gene Robles joining as staff liaison. TheireffortswerecelebratedatHRRA’sHomecoming, rounding out an exceptional year of fundraising and advocacy.
HRRA’s RPAC Committee continues to prove that dedicationtoadvocacycreatesimpactfulresults.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK
YPN held a speed networking event at Union Ale House.
YPN held their YPNCON at HRRA which featured the following education forums: Working Your Sphere/Lead Generation, Utilizing AI in Real Estate, andNegotiatingSkills.
YPNCONspeakersincludedAndrewHersey(NARYPN Advisory Board Member), Barry Jenkins Jr. (Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate), Heather Heishman (Keller Williams Coastal Virginia), Richard Calderon (BHHS RW Towne Realty), and Andy Nelson (Iron ValleyRealEstate).
YPN partnered with the Affiliate Committee to host the REALTORS® vs. Affiliates Kickball After-Party at BackBay’sFarmhouseBrewing.
YPN held their annual Hermit Crab Derby at New RealmBrewinginVirginiaBeach.
YPN received the NAR Placemaking Grant, utilizing thegranttopurchasegardenbeds,abicyclerack,and seating for the Historic South Norfolk Community Garden.
YPN spent an afternoon volunteering at the Historic South Norfolk Community Garden assembling garden beds,rejuvenatingthegarden,andpainting.
YPN made their presence known by networking with legislatorsatHRRA’sannualLegislativeReception.
YPN hosted an education forum at the Annual Expo where YPN committee member, Lexi Church, spoke on the topic “From Phone to Phenomenal: Real Estate PhotographyonaBudget.”
